A challenge faced by people who have to update (progress) schedules is that one scheduled task often represents many subtasks of various values with no logic links between them. For example, one design activity may have several analysis items and many drawings, the progress and value of which has to be evaluated for assigning progress to the scheduled activity. Similarly, the subtasks could be a mixture of materials, equipment and labour items.
This issue is handled through the use of Steps in the Primavera tool. However, many schedulers are reluctant to use them due to the work in updating and converting Steps data into progressing the overarching activity. The persons closest to the Step work are often totally removed from the scheduling and it then becomes a major effort to chase them down for input. It is usually easier for the scheduler to just guess the activity’s progress.
The CAPPS tool allows individuals on projects to update their assigned activity steps from outside of P6. This is done through a P6 generated report (and an optional barcode system) allowing for quick accurate updates on a weekly or monthly basis. For example, an engineer doing design document development can have a list of tasks with steps for IFR (Issued for Review) and IFC (Issued for Construction). These steps are weighted accordingly so when the steps are started and progressed to completion, the activity will be accurately updated.
The CAPPS tool truly allows the project team to leverage P6 functionality with weighted Step templates and physical percent complete progressing of the Steps. Accuracy at the activity level, with the sign-off process incorporated, allows the business to use this information in a more meaningful way with KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) generated automatically. Some of the clients that use this tool also use this automated approach to KPI’s when working on monthly progress claims. The accuracy created by this tool is especially valuable when invoicing is done through percent complete.
Some Clients
Veco (CH2MHill)
Users
Anyone who needs to get quicker, more accurate project updates from a larger and possibly dispersed team which includes sub consultants and contractors..
Emerald 